The National Safety Council published two (2) white papers about opioid pain medications. In the ‘Evidence for the Efficacy of Pain Medications’ white paper, the author states that “there is little evidence that opioids are helpful when used for chronic pain”. In addition, the study shows that taking a combination of ibuprofen and acetaminophen can be a more effective treatment option. Read the WHITE PAPER. In “The Psychological and Physical Side Effects of Pain Medications’ white paper, the author discredits the belief that opioid medications are safer than over the counter pain relievers. Read the WHITE PAPER.

The Huffington Post published an 8-part document “Dying to be Free”. The document details the experiences of several heroin-addicted people with different forms of drug treatment. Read the DOCUMENT.

“The Business of Recovery”, a new documentary about the drug treatment industry questions the effectiveness of some treatment facilities. The documentary follows several tragic stories as families struggle to ‘save loved ones’ from drug abuse and addiction. View the DOCUMENTARY.

The USA Today reported that the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) will fund efforts to make naloxone more widely available. HHS’ initiative will include grants for states to purchase the drug and will focus on reducing overprescribing and inappropriate prescribing of pain medications, expanding overdose reversal programs, and increasing access to treatment programs. Read the ARTICLE.

The American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM) has published a resource guide entitled “The Standards of Care for the Addiction Specialist Physician.” This guide addresses physicians’ responsibilities when caring for patients with addiction. Standards addressed in this guide include: Assessment, Withdrawal Management, Treatment Planning, Treatment Management, Care Transitions and Care Coordination, and Continuing Care Management. Read the GUIDE.

The Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) published a study on treatment of opioid-addicted patients visiting emergency departments. The study found that patients given buprenorphine and a referral to ongoing addiction treatment were twice as likely to continue drug treatment 30 days later compared to patients receiving intervention and referral alone. Read the STUDY.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has launched a social media campaign, “When the Prescription Becomes the Problem.” The goal is to share stories of those affected by prescription addiction. Followers of the campaign are asked to encourage addicts to seek treatment and commend those who are working to change lives. Visit the WEBSITE.

The Society for the Study of Addiction published research on the effectiveness of naltrexone as a relapse prevention measure for opioid addicts when they leave jail. The study found that the relapse rates were significantly lower with naltrexone. Read the STUDY.